I am a miser
Of memories;
When a moment catches my eye
I put it in a jar,
And place the jarJust so—
On a shelf in my heart.

I hoard memory after memory,
Collecting jar after jar,
And each one I placeJust so—
Lining jar after jar
In shiny little rows
That sparkle like jewels.

I’m the one who looks in nooks
And turns over stones
Whenever I am out;
I wait for that moment
When my daughter smiles,
When my son laughs,
Or when you, my love,
Light up my heart,
And
— Click!—
A picture formedJust so—
Another memory saved
For my rows of jars.

In my leisure
I stroll through my treasures;
I arrange them
And rearrange them
Until each one isJust so—
And then I smile at every sparkle
Echoed through row after row,
Each golden piece glittering
With glimpses of you.

I am a miser
Of memories,
And when I look at the collection
I have hoarded,
Each jar lined upJust so—
I know
I am rich.